Dale E. Schaefer

Dale E. Schaefer, age 89, of Hayti, SD, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at a local care center.  Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.  Pastor Scott Dempster will officiate.  Music will be provided by Stephanie Sauder as pianist. This service will be live streamed via our website.

Dale was born on January 18, 1935, in Bryant, SD, to William and Irene (Deke) Schaefer.  Dale grew up in rural Hayti on the family farm.  He graduated from Hayti High School in 1955. 

On November 18, 1955, Dale married Norma Madsen.  The couple raised seven boys in rural Hayti on the family farm.  Dale sold his dairy cattle in 1972 when he started working for the South Dakota Department of Transportation until his retirement. 

Dale had a passion for 2 cylinder John Deere Tractors, driving them in the local parades.  He was active with Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

Dale is survived by his wife Norma, of Hatyi; seven sons, David (Barbara) Schaefer, of Hayti, Roger (Shawn) Schaefer, of Bryant, Greg Schaefer of Council Bluffs, IA, Kevin Schaefer of Hayti, James Schaefer of Lake Norden, Scott Schaefer of Bryant, and Corry (Stacey) Schaefer of Hayti; nine grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; one brother Gary (Carol) Schaefer of Mesa, AZ; one sister MaryAnn Benner of MN; and several nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren Joseph David and Cyra Schaefer; one sister Carol Schaefer; one daughter-in-law Deann Schaefer.

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